Parents are no longer turning to cutting-edge names for their newborns. Baby boys born in 2026 aren't being named trendy, ultramodern monikers anymore. From Atticus to Barnaby, old-fashioned grandpa names are making a major comeback as parents lean into nostalgia.
New research from the Social Security Administration analyzes baby name data and proves that old-fashioned names are having a big revival. As parents turn to literature and pop culture, older names once popular in the 1920s are being reimagined as elegant and ever-timeless and effortlessly chic.
Keep reading to see if your baby's name is on the list!
Theodore a literary classic and timeless name
In 2025, Theodore was the fourth most popular baby name for little boys, calling back to a distant time. It's a classic name and one that seems to never go out of style. Derived from Greek meaning "gift of God," there are many famous Theodores over the years. From Theodore "Laurie" Laurence in Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel Little Women to the 26th President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt, it's a strong name for the modern boy, and offers parents an adorable nickname of Theo too.
© iStockHenry and Jack are vintage comebacks
Both in the top-20 in 1926, a century later, Henry and Jack are still ever-popular. Henry is the perfect balance of vintage charm, dignified history, and a gentle sound. Plus, it offers a variety of nicknames, like Hank, Harry, and Hal. As for Jack, pop culture may have influenced its comeback. From Jack Dawson in Titanic to Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, it seems like little Jacks are everywhere. In Hollywood, Justin and Hailey Bieber named their little boy Jack, honoring the long-standing "JB" family tradition.
Charlie is the perfect boys name
I may be biased, as both my grandpa and my nephew's name is Charlie, but regardless, it's making a comeback. In 1926, Charles was the fifth most popular name. 100 years later, Charles sits comfortably in the top 50. Charlie is gender-neutral, and helps popularize the trend of nickname-as-a-first-name. Like Jack, many Hollywood A-listers are naming their sons Charlie. Zooey Deschanel has a nine-year-old Charlie and Lauren Conrad welcomed her second son, Charlie Wolf, in October 2019.
© Getty ImagesJames, the gender-neutral retro name
For the past 100 years, James has ranked in the top 100 of boy names. It's a classic for a reason! From James Bond to James "Jay" Gatsby, there is an endless array of fictional characters with the moniker. In 2025, the name ranked fifth most popular for boys. But it's rising for girls too. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively named their oldest daughter James in 2014, pushing the trend even further.
© iStockRobert and Arthur are gentlemanly and strong
Robert and Arthur are both experiencing a renaissance. Once hugely popular in the early 1900s, the regal names found favor again with parents searching for something traditional yet distinctive. There is something undeniably romantic about these names. They feel literary, elegant and quietly confident, which may explain why they are resonating so strongly with millennial and Gen-Z parents.
